Residents with ideas for improving the appearance of their neighborhoods can ask for up to $5,000 from the city through the Neighborhood Match program. Residents must match city money with their own cash, labor and/or materials.

Now is the time for neighbors to band together for projects. The Neighborhood Match program for 2010 kicks off Jan. 1, with grant applications accepted until March 1.

Successful projects could include beautification of a median, installation of a neighborhood entry sign with landscaping, replacement of deteriorating mailbox stands or even public art. Criteria for proposed projects and a simple application form can be found at Neighborhood Match.

There is a total of $50,000 allocated to the Neighborhood Match program, so applicants are advised to seek funding as early as possible.